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Best Of New Zealand Self-Drive
Best Of New Zealand Self-Drive
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Highlights: Auckland - Rotorua - Wellington - Picton - Rapaura - Kaikoura - Christchurch - Lake Tekapo - Queenstown


Hotel Featured:
➤Auckland City Hotel 4*
➤Rydges Rotorua 4*
➤Novotel Wellington 4*
➤Vintners Retreat 5*
➤Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge 4*
➤Rydges Latimer Christchurch 4*
➤Peppers Bluewater Resort 4*
➤Rydges Lakeland Resort 4*


Itinerary:
Sun 02 Mar 25: Hamad
➤Flight from London Gatwick Airport to Hamad International Airport Doha


Mon 03 Mar 25: Auckland
➤Flight from Hamad International Airport to Auckland International Airport
➤Stay at Auckland City Hotel for 2 Nights


Wed 05 Mar 25: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ex Matamata i-Site/Rydges Rotorua
➤Inclusions:
- Coach transfers to the movie set.
- Fully guided walking tour.
- Beverage at the Green Dragon Inn.
What to Bring:
- Good walking shoes.
- Warm jacket in cooler months of the year.
Itinerary:
Valid for 01DEC23-31MAR25:
Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, where, in the heart of the Waikato region, you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The
Hobbit trilogies. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the rolling green hills on your way to the Movie
Set. Your guide will then escort you around the 12-acre set, showing the intricate detailing, pointing out the most famous locations, and explaining how the movie magic was made. You will be
fully guided on a walking tour through the Shire, journey past Bag End, explore the inside of our newly completed Hobbit Hole on Bagshot Row, and into the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you
will be presented with, an exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude your own Middle-earth adventure.
➤Stay at Rydges Rotorua for 2 Nights


Thu 06 Mar 25: Te Ra Guided Experience
➤Inclusions:
- Guided walk with a highly experienced local Kairahi/guide who has connections to the whanau/family of the Whakarewarewa and Rotorua
communities.
What to Bring:
- Weather-appropriate clothing.
- Good walking shoes.
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR24-31MAR25:
The legacy of welcoming manuhiri/visitors began almost 200 years ago when the people of Te Whakarewarewa were hosting the country's first manuhiri to our geothermal wonderland. This legacy
continues today as you are welcomed by the descendants of those original hosts. Be guided through the greenstone, wood carving, and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts
Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre, and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including Pohutu geyser. The minimum duration of Te Ra Guided Experience is 90 minutes. Tours depart on
the hour, please check in 15 minutes prior.


Thu 06 Mar 25: Mitai Maori Cultural Experience
➤Inclusions:
- Welcoming Ceremony.
- View the unveiling of the traditional hangi meal.
- Witness warriors paddling a canoe down the Wai-o-Whiro stream.
- Cultural Performance.
- Full buffet hangi dinner.
- Questions and answers session.
- Walk through nature to see ancient, fortified villages, learning
about the old ways of living and the survival of the people.
- See the natural resources of spring Te Puna Tapu o Tuhoe.
- Watch the forest light up as the glow worms appear in the night.
What to Bring:
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR24-31MAR25:
Estimated timings as per below:
06.00pm Introduction and welcome 06.15pm, Viewing of the hangi being lifted from the ground 06.30pm, Cultural performance, song, dance and world-famous haka 07.30pm, Buffet dinner (drink additional cost) 08.30pm, Tour of the native forest and sacred natural spring.
Note: Winter hours from 06:00pm to 09:00pm and summer hours 06:30pm to 09:00pm based on NZ Daylight savings schedule.


Fri 07 Mar 25: Novotel Wellington
➤Flight from Rotorua New Zealand to wellington International airport
➤Private Transfer Airport to Hotel
➤Stay at Novotel Wellington for 1 Night


Fri 07 Mar 25: Twilight Tour (Public guided tour)
➤Inclusions:
- Cup of hot kawakawa tea.
What to Bring:
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR23-31MAR25:
Discover the awe of twilight at Zealandia, as the sanctuary transforms from daylight to night during this special guided experience. You will have an opportunity to experience the dusk
chorus sung by a cacophony of native New Zealand birds. Experience a flurry of activity as a range of resident birds return to their nests, against the magical backdrop of the dusk sky and
the calm forest environment. You may even experience the first sights and sounds of the nocturnal birds, such as kiwi and ruru (morepork/owl) as they wake. Twilight Tours are an unforgettable, immersive experience, that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired sightings occur occasionally on Twilight Tours. Your opportunity to see Kiwi whilst they are most active is on a
ZEALANDIA By Night tour. Tour highlights: Kaka | Takahe | Tuatara | Tui | Shags | Little Spotted Kiwi All proceeds raised through the sale of Zealandia tour tickets contributes to the ongoing work of our sanctuary to restore nature. Your visit is an important part of the sanctuary's success.


Sat 08 Mar 25: Vintners Retreat
➤Private Transfer Hotel to Port
➤Interislander Wellington to Picton ferry pax
➤Stay at Vintners Retreat for 2 Nights


Sun 09 Mar 25: Marlborough Wine Tour - Half Day from Blenheim
➤Inclusions:
- Winery tasting fees.
- Central Blenheim accommodation pick up/drop off.
- Experienced wine tour guide/driver.
- Air-conditioned minivan transportation.
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR23-31MAR25:
One of most popular tours for enjoying a few of the Marlborough Wineries and a lovely lunch at one of the cellar doors. A Marlborough wine tours vehicle picks up from Central Blenheim accommodation to commence a half day Marlborough wine tour. The 4.5hour tour will give you a great insight into the Marlborough wine area. Visiting 4 cellar doors you will be tasting a generous
amount of wines along the way and have the opportunity to wander in the vines. The morning tour includes a stop for lunch at one of the wineries (at your expense).


Mon 10 Mar 25: Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge/Dolphin Encounter Watch
➤Stay at Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge for 2 Nights
Dolphin Encounter Watch
➤Inclusions:
- Transfer from the base to the harbor and back.
- Complimentary information pack on return from the tour.
What to Bring:
- Warm clothing.
- Small bag.
- Camera.
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR23-31MAR25:
Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to consistently encounter wild dolphins in their natural habitat with a success rate of over 95%! Depart from the Encounter Kaikoura Office, 96 Esplanade, Kaikoura for your Dolphin Encounter. When booking you can choose whether to get in the water and interact with the dolphins or stay dry and view their antics from the boat. A complete guided commentary is given throughout the trip. Please note when booking watching you will be on a boat with swimmers but not be able to
swim please make advance contact should you wish to change your activity. The tour concludes approximately 3.5 hours after commencement, returning to 96 Esplanade.


Wed 12 Mar 25: Rydges Latimer Christchurch
➤Stay at Rydges Latimer Christchurch for 2 Nights


13 Mar 25: Tranz Alpine
➤Tranz Alpine - Christchurch to Arthurs Pass Rtn


Fri 14 Mar 25: Peppers Bluewater Resort/Summit Experience
➤Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort for 2 Nights
Summit Experience
➤Inclusions:
- Pick up from Peppers Resort, Godley Hotel and Lake Tekapo Holiday
Park and Backpacker Lodge.
- Return transport from Dark Sky Base to Mount John Observatory.
- ECW (Extreme Cold Weather) down jackets.
- Hot beverage.
- Working research facility with powerful telescopic viewing
technologies.
- Expert astronomy guides.
- Professional astrophotographer, with digital photography as key
takeaway.
What to Bring:
- Warm clothes.
- Sturdy shoes.
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR23-31MAR25:
Join the Dark Sky Project crew at 1 Motuariki Lane, Lake Tekapo to commence a Summit Experience Tour. Enjoy the wonders of the southern night sky and experience the thrill of peering through powerful
telescopes. When the stars are hidden from view, you will be taken on a journey to discover the nocturnal world of an astronomer. See research equipment that is out-of-bounds to the general public and experience the wonders of astronomy. With the use of powerful telescopes, you can view distant objects such as planets, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. The tour concludes approximately 2 hours after commencement, at the Dark Sky Project office.


Sun 16 Mar 25: Rydges Lakeland Resort
➤Stay at Rydges Lakeland Resort for 4 Nights


Tue 18 Mar 25: Milford Sound Cruise (Queenstown-Queenstown)
➤Inclusions:
- Luxury glass roof coach with commentary.
- Milford Sound scenic stops like Mirror Lakes and Homer Tunnel.
- Fiordland National Park.
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Wi-Fi on board coaches.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Suitable outdoor clothing.
- Camera.
Itinerary:
Valid for 01APR24-31MAR25:
Discover the natural beauty of Milford Sound with a scenic coach ride from Queenstown and an unforgettable cruise on the fiord. Depart Queenstown, and travel by coach past glacier lakes and into Fiordland National Park. Capture some memorable shots of the Mirror Lakes or the ancient alpine forests at photo stops along the way. The glass-roof coach will give you sensational views of the Southern Alps. Next, board the most luxurious catamaran in Milford Sound to explore the spectacular fiord. Venture out to the Tasman Sea while cruising past tumbling waterfalls, glacier-scarred rock walls, and lush rainforests. A tasty picnic lunch will keep you fueled on board.


Thu 20 Mar 25: Departure


Prices & Departure
Deposit: £125pp
➤Y77649 Gatwick from £5165pp
➤Y77920 Birmingham from £5625pp
➤Y77928/32 Glasgow/ Newcastle from £5675pp
➤Y77912 Edinburgh from £5769pp
➤Y77904 Manchester from £5845pp
➤Y77935 Dublin from £6069pp


Terms & Conditions:
➤Based on 2 Adults Sharing



Offer Includes

  • International & Internal Flights
  • Car Hire from Auckland to Rotorua with Unlimited Mileage
  • 2 Nights at Auckland City Hotel in a Double Room with Bed & Breakfast
  • Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Ex Matamata i-Site
  • 2 Nights at Rydges Rotorua in a Deluxe 2 Queen Room with Bed & Breakfast
  • Te Ra Guided Experience Tour
  • Mitai Maori Cultural Experience
  • Private Airport to Hotel Transfer
  • 1 Night at Novotel Wellington in a Double Room with Bed & Breakfast
  • Twilight Tour (Public guided tour)
  • Private transfer from Hotel to Port
  • Interislander Wellington to Picton Ferry
  • Car Hire from Picton to Queenstown with Unlimited mileage
  • 2 Nights at Vintners Retreat in a Double Room with Cont Breakfast
  • Marlborough Wine Tour - Half Day from Blenheim
  • 2 Nights at Kaikoura Gateway Motor Lodge in a Double Room with Cont Breakfast
  • Dolphin Encounter Watch
  • 2 Nights at Rydges Latimer Christchurch in a Double Room with Bed & Breakfast
  • 2 Nights at Peppers Bluewater Resort in a Deluxe 2 Queen Room with Bed & Breakfast
  • Summit Experience Tour
  • 4 Nights at Rydges Lakeland Resort in a Double Room with Bed & Breakfast
  • Milford Sound Cruise (Queenstown-Queenstown)

Meal Plans

  • Bed & Breakfast